Chapter Ze
Esme sat in the softly in Michelin restaurant, staring at the elegant French dishes ser before ther Once, she’d have devoured every bite. Now she couldn’t bring herself to take ever a taste.
Across the table, Liam watched he, ariety etched in every line of his face. He spoke gently almost afraid of her answer. “Esme is something wrong with the food? Do you want to try somewhere dis
She didn’t even finch to. This is fine
A cold pause settled between them. Esme finally looked up, her voice fat. If you have something to say just say it. After tonight, were done. For good. We won’t see each other
Liam froze, the words cutting deeper than held expected. His eyes stong “You really mean that?
What’s left to talk about, Liam? I’ve alsady stepped aside for your little family of threet
“Esme, that’s not far–it’s not even my child Regret fickered across his face. I told you, the only child I ever wanted was with you”
He searched her face for anything hose, lore, even anger. But she just stared at him, eyes cold, voice steady
Liam, if you have something to say, spit it out I have somewhere to be? She glanced at her wach, imolence dex in her tone
He looked like he might fall apart fight there. “Where are you going?” he asked, voice choked.
She rolled her eyes. “Does it even matter? If all you want is to argue, then we’re done.”
She stood up, pushing back her chair, Liam Blocked her way, desperation raw in his eyes. Please, Esme Tell me. What could be more important than us?”
She didn’t hesitate. “Everything is more important than you right now. But if you’re dying to know, I’ll tell yout
“A wedding dress fitting”
He went pale, his hands clenched so tight his knuckles turned white. “What?” he rasped, as if he hadn’t heard her right.
His voice broke, “Don’t lie to me, Esme. If you say that just to hurt me, you might as well kill
me
He grabbed her arm, holding on like she was the only thing keeping him afloat. “Esme, don’t lie
to me”
She shook her head, annoyed. “Let go. You’re the one who wanted this goodbye. I showed up because you asked, but clearly, you just needed an excuse”
Chapter 23
“I should never have trusted you again.”
“How many times have you lied to me, Liam? I lost count after Joy got pregnant. It’s been nothing but lies since then.”
All she wanted now was to leave. “Let me go, Liam. Let yourself go, too. We’re over. I’ll live my life, you’ll live yours. Wouldn’t it be better to end things with some dignity?”
But whatever self–control Liam had left snapped. He shook his head, almost pleading. “Esme, I can’t do this without you. I can’t live without you…”
His voice trembled. “Please. Come back to me. Please?”
She pulled her hand away. “Did you ever think, Liam, that marrying you was already a huge compromise for me?”
“All I wanted was to live freely. For you, I gave up everything. I put on that stupid mask and played the perfect Mrs. Mitchell.”
“And you? You didn’t appreciate it for a second. You went and had a child with someone else, expected me to just accept it, and all you ever said was that you had your ‘reasons. What reasons, Liam? Tell me.”
Her throat felt dry. She grabbed the water glass she hadn’t touched all night and drained it.
“Esme, don’t–don’t drink that-” Liam reached for her, but it was too late.
She looked at him, confused. “What? Is something wrong with the water?”
“Esme, come on. Let me take you to the hospital.” Panic replaced everything else in his voice as he tried to pull her up.
She tried to fight him off, but suddenly a strange heat rushed through her body.
Liam shrugged off his jacket and wrapped it around her shoulders, hustling her out to the car.
“What’s happening?” Esme gasped as she collapsed onto the back seat. The scent of pine in the car, usually comforting, now seemed dizzying and overwhelming. Her skin burned with need, a soft moan escaping before she could stop it.
Liam’s heart twisted with guilt. He’d gotten to the restaurant early–he’d put something in her water. He couldn’t believe he’d actually done it.
Grandma Mitchell’s voice echoed in his head:
“Can you really trust her out there on her own? Better she has your child–then we can make it up to her. Women always say they don’t want kids, but once they’re pregnant, they never want to let go.”
Esme clawed at his arm, her grip desperate. Her other hand fumbled for his cuff.
“Esme, do you know who I am?” His eyes darkened as he looked at her, flushed and disheveled. His own resolve was crumbling.
2/3
14:40
*killed me, seeing you with someone else,” he whispered. “You have no idea how much it
He pressed his lips to her ear, his fingers threading through hers, holding her tight.
“Did he ever kiss you here? Does he know how sensitive your ears are?”
He traced her earlobe with his tongue, almost punishing her, their breathing ragged and heavy.
“Youte. Her words dissolved into a broken moan.
“Who am I?” Liam kissed her, his voice coaxing and low.
But even with the drug clouding her mind, Esme suddenly pushed him away.
“You’re not Neill Who are you?”
